Dubai increases its traditional pre-Ramadan food discount scheme

Expats in the UAE as well as locals are welcoming the traditional massive Ramadan food discounts.

Throughout March, discounts of between 25 and 60 per cent on a vast range of food prices will be available for locals and expats alike. The pre-Ramadan linked announcement by Dubai’s Ministry of the Economy was made at the emirate’s 15th Gulf Consumer Protection Day conference and was welcomed by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Major retail outlets as well as cooperatives are being encouraged to support the initiative, with the swingeing price cuts including basic commodities aimed at supporting price stability across the emirate.

New laws aimed at stronger consumer protection are now in legislation stage, and are expected to focus on the e-commerce sector as demand for its services grows. The focus will be on ease of smart phone usage, fast delivery targets and the condition of goods being delivered to online customers. In addition, a new smart system has been developed in order to deal effectively with consumer complaints, as the retail sector gears up to provide some 26 per cent of the emirate’s GDP.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus is having a predictable effect on one of Christianity’s holiest months, with Lent services still ongoing in Dubai’s Catholic communities. The six-week period normally sees churches packed nightly, with Holy Communion the heart of the service. Several churches have decided the communion wafers should not be delivered on worshippers’ tongues by the priest, but for many it’s the central part of the rite. Congregations are declining in numbers, but most Catholics aren’t yet prepared to avoid gatherings in their churches.